LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Tiara Kelly upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of a Marian I. Hughes Scholarship Award by the
Black Women's Association of Albany on June 20, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord with
its long-standing traditions, honoring the youth of today, and leaders
of tomorrow, whose character and achievements best exemplify the ideals
and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Tiara Kelly upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of a Mari-
an I. Hughes Scholarship Award by the Black Women's Association of Alba-
ny, to be celebrated at its Marian I. Hughes Scholarship Awards Dinner
Dance on Saturday, June 20, 2015, at The Desmond Hotel, Albany, New
York; and
WHEREAS, The theme of this year's auspicious event will be "Vision to
Victory!"; JoDee Kenney, News Anchor on Time Warner Cable News will
serve as Keynote Speaker; Shari W. Quinn, local author and educator,
will be selling copies of her latest book, DISLOYALTY, and popular DJ
Syxxfiggaz will provide dance music; and
WHEREAS, The Black Women's Association of Albany (BWAA) was founded on
September 21, 1977, by a group of dynamic women with the purpose to
stimulate social awareness, encourage cultural growth, help youth real-
ize their full potential through education and serve as positive role
models for African American women of all ages; and
WHEREAS, The BWAA Marian I. Hughes Scholarship Awards were established
in 2005, in memory of Mrs. Hughes, an educational leader who held vari-
ous teaching and administrative positions in the City School District of
Albany; she was also an Associate in the New York State Education
Department, the author of two books about the history of public school
education in Albany, and an advocate for better human relations; and
WHEREAS, A Senior at Lansingburgh High School, Tiara Kelly has main-
tained an impressive 82.5% GPA, and ranks in the top third of her gradu-
ating class; and
WHEREAS, Even though she had a challenging childhood, Tiara Kelly is
determined to work hard, reach her goals, and build a secure future; and
WHEREAS, Active within her school, Tiara Kelly is a member of Band,
and has volunteered in service activities with the Better Burgh Club; in
addition, she participated in Art Club, and served as an assistant to
her art teacher, helping her with the Knickerbacker Middle School Art
Club; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to the well-being of her community, Tiara Kelly
enjoyed painting murals with children at the Troy Public Library, and
coordinated activities for local children as a babysitter; she recently
started working at Walmart; and
WHEREAS, After graduation, Tiara Kelly plans on majoring in American
Sign Language at Keuka College; and
WHEREAS, As Tiara Kelly takes her leave of Lansingburgh High School,
she leaves a legacy of academic achievement, school involvement and
community service to which others may aspire; and
WHEREAS, Tiara Kelly stands poised on the threshold of a broad and
challenging world, a testament to the love and nurturing care of her
family, friends and school; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Tiara Kelly, a young
woman and able scholar, recognizing the value of her labors and the
promise of her future; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Tiara Kelly upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of a
Marian I. Hughes Scholarship Award, to commend her for her outstanding
academic achievement and to extend to her the best wishes of this Legis-
lative Body for a future of purposeful success and well-being, fully
confident of her response to a promising future and appreciative of the
model she represents for all aspiring young people of the Empire State;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Tiara Kelly.